Wax coating composition and coated article



May 23 1961 J. w. PADGETT Erm. 2,985,538

wAX COATINO COMPOSITION AND COATED ARTICLE:

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May 23, 1961 .1.w. PADGETT ETAL 2,985,538

'..'AX CCATING COMPOSITION AND COATED ARTICLE Filed Sept. 24, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 /r/G. 4 JOHN M PADGEr JHERMAN z VAN fSSELSrY/y '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 23, 1961 .1.w. PADGETT ETAL WAX COATING COMPOSITION AND COATED ARTICLE Filed cupi. 24, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 J. W. PADGETT ET AL WAX CCATING COMPOSITION AND COATED ARTICLE l SouD/F/cAr/o/v Cu@ ves IN VEN TORS JOHN RQDGErr Sue-@MAN 7." Mm fssusryfy Mag@ AT /vsvs Ovo 0 4 P6 cewr Soup/neo May 23, 1951 Filed sept. 24, 1959 lao IIS

May 23, 1961 1. w. PADGETT ETAL 2,935,538

WAX CCATING COMPOSITION AND COATED ARTICLE Filed Sept. 24, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 WAx Mar/Ne 1%mr APPAAr-us III lll

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1N VEN TORS i JOHN M R40 GE r1' BY S//apnmy 7." lm ssas ry/y United States Patent O WAX COATING CMPOSITION AND CATED ARTICLE .lohn W. Padgett, Round Top Road, Bernardsville, and Sherman T. Van Esselstyn, 55 Locust Drive, Morris Plains, NJ.v

Filed Sept. 24, 1959, Ser. No. 842,166

16 Claims. (Cl. 10G-270) This invention relates to the impregnation and coating of paper containers and the like used in packaging wholly i or partially liquid food products, and more particularly to a new and novel wax composition for coating such containers which provides the latter with superior shelf life and resistance to softening when in use, in addition to other highly desirable properties. This is a continuation-in-part of our application Serial No. 621,685, now abandoned.

In the packaging of citrus juices and partially or wholly liquid dairy products, such as milk, cottage cheese and the like, the practice of utilizing Wax-coated paper or liber board containers has become increasingly Widespread in recent years, but several serious problems have been encountered rendering such practice unsatisfactory in many respects.

ForV example, heretofore the shelf life of such packaged liquids has been severely limited because of the distending or bulging of the sides of the containers as the contained liquid penetrated the wax coating and softened the paper. As a result, rigidity and strength of the container was severely impaired, leaks developed more readily, and the wax coating was more prone to flaking oif into the product inside the container, particularly with rough handling. The resultant weakening of the structure of the container made subsequent handling without rupture and loss of contents diicult, if not impossible. 1

Another problem with prior coatings hasV been the diiculty in obtaining uniform and complete coverage of the entire area desired to be coated. Uncoated spots seriously decreased the product resistance of the container and considerably shortened the useful life thereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide La coated container of paper or the like for packaging liquid food products, which has a tough, durable and liquidresistant coating, capable of withstanding rougher handling, and which has an improved over-all appearance,

higher gloss and smoother, plastic-like, finish.

Another object is to provide such a coated container having superior shelf life and resistance to softening and bulging in use at refrigeration temperatures, as well as at room temperature. j

An additional object is to provide such a container having a coating which does not ake off into the food e* product contained therein.

A further object is to provide a coating composition with improved heat sealing characteristics for containers having gable type tops requiring a heat seal closure.

A further object is to provide a coating composition, with proper coating characteristics, which can be applied uniformly to a container Without leaving uncoated areas.

All of the above objects are achieved without causin excessive Idrag of the carton orV excessive wax build-up in machines during processing.

Other objects and features of the invention Will be- 2,985,538 Patented May 23, 1961 ICC .dium molecular weight, dry and only slightly tacky hydrocarbon material, usually derived from high boiling petroleum distillates. It consists predominantly of a mixture of saturated straight chain parans and contains a substantial proportion of saturatednon-straight chain paraffin hydrocarbons. Component C is a low melting point straight chain paraffin hydrocarbon material, with only a minor proportion of non-straight chain parafn hydrocarbons. The above use of high, medium and low with reference to molecular weights and melting points is by way of relative comparison of the three components. Ranges of average values for these properties as Well as others are set forth with particularity hereinbelow. l

It has been discovered that when components A, B and C are mixed together within certain ranges of proportions a wax coating composition is obtained which has superior and hitherto unattainable properties particularly suitable for coating milk cartons and the like. It has Hbeen found that the weight ratio of AzB should not be vlessthan 1:5 nor greater than 3:1, and that the weight vranges produce coatings having superior strength and f-t'ou'ghn'ess, rigidity, gloss and appearance, and provide coated cartons having a shelf life and resistance to soften'- ing in use at the usual refrigeration temperatures of around 40 F. far superior to any coating previously available.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a process flow sheet showing the lseparate manufacturing steps for component A;

Fig. 2 is a process -fiow sheet showing the separat manufacturing steps for component B; and f Fig. y3 is a process flow sheet showing the separate manufacturing steps for component C, and an alternate component B.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic enlarged sectional View ofa portion of an article coated with the composition of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a graph of boiling point distillation curves of the composition of the present invention.

Fig. `6 VVis a drawing of the apparatus used in obtaining the data on which the curves shown in Fig. 5 are based. Y.

Fig. 7 is a graph of a series of three melting point solidiication curves of the composition of the present invention.

Fig. '8 is a drawing of the apparatus used to obtain the data on which the curves of Fig. 7 are based.

As shown in Fig. l, component A may be manufactured from a propane deasphalted, phenol extracted, propane dewaxed, residual petrolatum feed stock having an oil content of about 20-30%.. Such feed stock is topped in a vacuum .pipe still at approximately 50 mm. Hg, to produce a vacuum bottom having thedesired distillation analysis of not more than 20% distilling below 650 F. at 10 mmLHg. Such topped petrolatum is passed through a propane deoiling plant at 040 F,

2,935,538` A A Y The deoiled petrolaturn is mixed with a naphtha diluentl and decolorized and partially deodorized' by iltering through attap-ulgus clay. The naphtha diluent is removed from the ltrate and the resultant wax hydrocarbon further deodorized in a vacuum steam stripper, thereby pro- 5 ducing the fully refined hydrocarbon wax component A. Component B may be obtained b y 'passinga phenol treated, methyl ethylrketone dewaxed, motor oil petrolatum feed stock having about a 20-30% oily content through a'propane deoiling plant at approximately 25- 3.0 as shown inFig. 2, the `deoiled product then being refined in a'vacuumpipe still and steam 'stripper to produce hydrocarbon `wax component B as a side fraction therefrom having a l0-90% boiling range of from 40- 120 F. at l0 mm. Hg.

Component C, and an alternate component B, may be prepared as shown in the flow sheet of Fig. 3. A nonviscous San Joaquin waxyoil distillate having an oil content of about 50% is treated in a methyl ethyl ketone, toluene dewaxing plant at about 0 F. and the scale wax (having about a 1.0-1.5 oil content) is subjected to a sweating operation to lower the oil content of the wax to about 0.2-0.3%. The latter wax is then hydrogenated and subsequently refined in a vacuum Vrerun still from which side fractions are produced having `the desired melting points and boilingl ranges as shown byfway of example in Fig. 3. The selected fractions are then treated in a Porocel filter plant to partially deodorize and deicolorize the product, and after treatment in a steam stripper to further deodorize it, the rened Wax components are obtained as shown.

It is Vto be understood that the above methods are lclescribed by Way of example only, and that other Well known solvents, processes and crude oils could be utilized to produce -the desired components A, B and C. 35

The desired physicalproperties for each of the separate components so produced are set forth in the followmorst cases, the distillation is complete 4 Y ing of the sample, a suicient number of ebullators (boiling chips) are added to the flask and its contents, which are kept liquid by means of a heating mantle operated through a variable transformer.

The apparatus is assembled, the vacuum pump started, and the pressure adjusted to l0 millimeters of mercury by means of a Todd vacuum dpressure regulator. Accurate readings of the pressure -are obtained by means of the Todd Universal vacuum gauge, while the closed end manometer indicates the approximate pressure. After adjustment of the pressure, the sample is de-aerated for an interval of about 30 minutes. The temperatureis then raised by increasing the voltage across the Vvariable transformer, until the sample begins to distill. The rate of heating is adjusted such that the distillate (maintained at 180 F.) collects at the rate of 3-5 milliliters per minute. The distillation is continued until the maximum vapor temperature isreached, orfuntil the sample shows evidence of cracking. AAt this point, the distillation is considered tobe complete. t

Y The ,temperature is recorded at -the instant the rst drop of distillate falls from therlower end of the condenser tube. ThisisV considered to be the initialboiling point. Gver the initial Yl() percent, temperature is revcorded for each 2 percent distilled. Thereafter, temperature readings are made Ifor'each 5 `percent distilled, until 90 percentk of the sample has distilled. `Temperature readings ,are then taken for each 2 percent distilled. In Y before 90 percent of.distillate is collected. Y

A boiling point curve may be established'byiplotting the temperature` in degrees Fahrenheit as the ordinate against the volume percent distilled as the abscissa.

The apparatus used forthe determination of melting point referred ,to above is shown in Fig. 8.l .Themethod used is as follows: u t

5.0 grams of the molten sample areA 'introduced into ing table: the sample holding test tube and the thermohm. inserted TABLE I Type analysis A HB NCH Typical Range Typical Range Typical Range Example s Example Example Composition, percent straight chain paraffin hydrocarbon 25 15-35 70 50-95 99 90-'100 Mqieemerwweiehf 660 550450 450 o-550Y 315 29o-340 Boiling point range between 10-90% distilled at 10 mm. Hg

F.) n 1 i2 1 2 2o so 4o-12o Y 2s. 3 20400.420-120 Melting point by c oclmg curve (f F.) A 172 15G-180 153 145-165 124 115-135 IIJ-% Melting point range by differential therma ualysis of cooling eurye F.) 18 15-30 9 6-14 ASTM congealmg point F.) 170 15G-1,80 153 145-165 Specific gravity at 180 F 0.8153 0.7835 Saybolt universal viscosity (SUS) at;-

210 F 104 801120 ASTM oil coutent (percent) 1. 7 2 3.0 1. 5 2 2i 0 ASTM tensile strength using Dow molds (psi.) at

73 F. 171 308 Tensile energy (inch-pounds per square inch) at 40 F 4.38 3.65 Bending energy 5 (inch-pounds) at 40 F-- 35.0 2. 1 Consistometer hardness (Abraham units) at- 1 Percent distilled below 650 F. I Mairimurn. a For melting points less than F. 4 For melting points greater than 130 F. 5 Bending energy was determined by measuring the product of load nnute required to break a specimen measuring 3 x 1" u crums.

times deection at a constant rate of deflection of l" x 50 mils placed on 2u1crums 2" per apart and loaded midway between such into the liquid sample. The thermohm iskeptcentered in the test tube by means of paper spacers which are V2 inch in diameter, contain a 1A inch center hole, and

are notched to prevent entrapment of air during ,insertion. A cork stopper is usedto prevent-.contact between the thermohrn and the bottom of the test tube.

The sample container, along with the thermohm, is inserted into the cavity of the copper block, and the cork lcover placed in the inner Dewar flask. Heat is applied to the copper block and wax sample by increasing the voltage across the variable transformer until both have attained a temperature of about 220 F. as indicated by recorders. 'I'he temperature of the water bath is adjusted to 32t0.2 F. by the use of ice.l

After completion of these preliminary operations, and when the copper block and wax sample have been in equilibrium for a minimum of 3 minutes, the variable transformer is turned oi and the sample allowed to cool to about 70 F. During the determination, the rate of cooling is controlled by the insulation and the water bath temperature.

A melting point curve may then be established by replottin-g the derivative of the recorded curves. Temperature is plotted as the ordinate against the accumulated percent solidifying as the abscissa.

EXAMPLE A coating composition was compounded by thoroughly mixing forty parts by weight of component A and sixty parts by weight of component B and then mixing sixty parts by weight of the latter mixture with forty parts by weight of component C. The physical properties of the composition used are shown in column l of Table II (which also includes other typical compositions in columns 2 and 3):

TABLE-II Blend compositionl analysis COMPOSITION O71 CH il C11 50%:1Dnl 40%;:131 20%uDn ASTM congealng point F) 144 137 125 Saybolt universal viscosity at 180 F.

(SU 54.5 47 42.5 ASTM tensile strength using Dow molds at 40 F. (psi.) 277 447 880 Tensile energy (inch-pounds per inch) at 40 F -1 3. 75 5.0 3.12 Bending energy (inch-pounds) at 40 F. 13. 6 6.0 2. 2 Consistometer hardness (Abraham 31.0 31. 5 32. 5 40 F 70.0 76. 2 78.0 Color ASTM u non colorimeter-- 1%- 1%- 1+ 1 D=40% A+e0% B.

A boiling point curve and a melting point curve vwere established for the composition of column 2, which curves are indicated in Figs. 5 and 7 respectively. This coriposition is an average composition within our invention.

Tests were run with the above composition of column l coating standard type one quart milk cartons on a commercial machine. Approximately one hundred cartons were coated and were divided into roughly four equal groups for the following tests. Two such groups were lled With orange juice and a 1% lactic acid solution, respectively, and stored at room temperature for a period of several days. The other two groups were filled with orange juice and milk respectively, and placed in refrigerated (40 F.) storage.

Each day during such period the bulge of the cartons was measured (bulge is expressed in 176,2 inch increases in lateral dimensions of the carton) and at the end of such period the weight of water in pounds absorbed by the cartons' was measured and the weight in pounds per thousand cartons calculated by extrapolation. A drop test was conducted on certain of the refrigerated cartons shortly after iilling and after the liquid contents substantially reached the 40 F. temperature. 'Ihe test was carried out by repeatedly dropping the carton 6 inches down a vertically guided track onto a wooden block with four raised corners corresponding to the foury bottom failure or rupture as indicated by the first evidence of a leak of the carton were observed. In addition, measurements were made of the weight of free Wax inside the container after 15 drops and a gure tabulated on the basis of pounds of wax ake per thousand cartons. A typical petroleum wax was run las a control and similar tests and measurements were made on cartons coated with such material. f

The data for the above tests are tabulated in Table III:

` TABLE III A. Room temperature storage ORANGE JUICE l H20 absorled, poun s per 1,000- earvtons Bulge Gn inch) @mm1 7.o 9.8 12.5 13.2 v` 14.2 New material 6.0 7.0 8. 0 8. 4 8.`5

1% LACTIC ACID B. Refrigerafedsfomg (40 F.)

ORANGE JUICE Drop .at 40 F., number of drops causing failure Flaklng after 15 drops, pounds per 1,000 cartons Bulge Gn inch) H2O absorbed,

pounds per 1,000 cartons B'days 7 days Control New materialcontrol 6.5i.' Y 8.o 7.1 i 4.9 use Newmaterial 4.6 5.4 5.6 9.2 0.109

It lwill be noted in-'IablefIII that the coatingyofzthe vpresent,invention'wasSuperior in all respects -to the ypriorwaxcoating, both atiroom temperature and at 40 F. 'I'he bu1g e.was ,much less for the new material and'maintained a fairly uniform level over the test period, whereas for the old material at room temperature, for example, the bulge nearly doubled over the four day period on the orange juice cartons. Cartons coated-with the new material absorbed considerably less water in all services, gave about better performance in the drop test and the'neW coating material flaked ott one- `tenth as much as the old. Such results reflect the outstanding character of the present invention andthe great promise it offers to the packaging industry.

It has been found that in order to obtain al1 of the 'advantageous properties shown in the above example, certain physical properties'of the iinal coating composition should have values as shown in Table IV: a

TABLE 1v ASTM congealing-point F.) Not overv 145.0. Saybolt viscosity at 180 F. (SUS) Not over 55. ATensile strength at 40 F. (p.s.i.) Not below 260, Tensile energy at 40 F. (inchpounds) (per square inch) Consistometer hardness (Abraham units):

At 90 F 22-35. At 40 I" 60-80. Color-ASTM union colorimeter Not 'over V11/2. ASTM oil content, percent Notover 0.8.

Although not a physical property, oil content ils i171- Not below 7 eluded herein. It will also beunderstood that Vcolor is, to a degree, a matter of preference.

As Previously mentioned, additionalrequirements exist with respecttothe proportions ,in kwhich the three components should be blended. The weight ratio of A:B should fall within the range of from 1:5 to 3:1, and the weight ratio of (A -l-B) :C should fall within the range of from 1:5 to 2:1 in order to obtain performance characteristics similar rto thoseshown in the above example. If the ratio of (A+B) :C of 2:1 is exceeded, it has been found that the coating composition will cause excessive wax build-up .in the machines during processing of the cartons to such an extent thatit will require a shut-down of the operation. Furthermore, any cartons coated with such a composition will n otgive the required performance in service under the normal conditions of handling and use.

Using compositions with ratios of (A+B):C of less than 1:5 will not provide the superior properties of the present invention, `but rather will give coatings exhibiting the undesirable properties of the priorV art compositions sought to be avoided by this invention. I

Thus in summary it can be seen that below the 1:5 ratio, the undesirability of the composition resides in poor performance of the coating in use on the coated carton, whereas above the 2:1 ratio the undesirability Ilies in both poor operational behavior of the coating in the processing machinery, as well as its poor performancerin use.

A ready means of determining whether one has obtained a coating composition within our invention, and one which will provide all of the necessary physical properties and performance characteristics, is by establishing boiling point distillation and melting point solidiiication curvesufor the composition in question in accordance with the methods described above, and then determining both the ASTM Voil content and the consistometer .hardness. We have found that compositions withinour vinvention -and embodying the performance characteristics thereof will have -a boiling-point distillation curve falling within the area defined by curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5 and 'including curves Mx and Mn themselves, and a melting point solidication curve -falling in the area-between curves Mx and M'n of Fig. 7 and including curves Mx and M'n themselves. For example, the composition of Vcolumn-.2 -in Table II exhibits the boiling point vdistillation curve shown in Fig. Sand the meltingpoint solidiiication curve shown inv Fig. 7,A both of these curves being within the limits stated. We have further found that t-he -wax A-compositions of our invention will comprise from about 46% to about 97% straight chain parainic wax, the remainder being non-straight chain paraflnic wax, as calculated from the use of the components referred to in rrlable I in the ratios set forth above.

Such compositions should also have an ASTM oil content of notV over 0.8%, and a consistometer hardness, measured in Abraham units, of between 22-35 at 90 F. and 60-80 at 40 F. Any coating composition having the requisite boiling point distillation and melting point solidication curves, as well as the indicated hardness and oil content, will have the requisite congealing point, viscositytensile `strength and tensile energy, and will satisfactorily perform. In addition, we would prefer that the composition have a color which is not over 11/2 on an ASTM union colorirneter.

' VIn addition to its other previously enumerated advantages, the coating composition of the present invention has been found to have excellent Vheat sealing characteristics, especially on containers having gable type tops requiring a heatseal closure. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that minor amounts of wax additives, such as antioxidants, defoamers, extenders, .polyisobut ylene, butyl rubber, Ypolyethylene and others, may be added to our coating composition for their known effectsfwithout departing from our invention. Thus, the term consisting essentiallycf as used in the claims meansthat the ,composition ,is made up almost entirely of the ingredients recited` and these ,ingredients are the main and characterizingvonea but this expression does not exclude the presence of minor amounts of 4other ingredients which do not change the essentialV character of thecomposition. k

The coating operation can be brieily described as follows: The three components A, BU-and C are mixed together and blended in the desired proportions as described above, anda bath prepared containing such blend at temperatures ranging from 160 to 195 .F. The cartons or containers are fabricated in any standard wellknown fashionfrorn paper ,or other iibrous material and then lwaxed by dipping into the bath. The cartons are then held inV a draining position to allow the excess wax to drain off;` in some cases where, lfor example, a thicker coating is desired, they Vare dipped a second time.` Then the coating is solidified, for example ,by passing through a refrigerated chamber at about 40 F. or dipped into water held at 3666 F. To assist in vsuch solidication, prior to or during passage through the refrigerated air chamber the 'bottom ofthe carton can be immersed in water at 36-66 F., to a depth ranging from 1A inch to 1/2 inch. f

The above method gives a coating of uniform thickness which leaves no uncoated spots or areas. A typical section of `the-.coated container is shown in Fig. 4, wherein the wax. coating is designated by reference number 10 and the paper or other iibrous material'jisV designated by the reference number 11. vExisting machinery and equipment can be used with thiscoating material. No special apparatus is required for its use. l

While only one embodiment of this, invention has been described in this application, it is recognized that certain .changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

We claim: 1 Y 1. A wax composition .consistingessentially of a mix- -ture of -three hydrocarbon constituents, the first of which Vof up to about 3.0%, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about 150 F. to about 180 F.; the second of said constituents'being comprised of about 50-95% by weight of a straight chain parainic wax and containing about 5-50% by Weight of a non-straight chain paraiiinic wax materialy and having an average molecular weight in the range of about 400-550, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180` F. of about 45-65 seconds, an oil content of up yto about 2.0%, and a melting point by cooling curve of'from about 145 F. to about 165 F.; and the third of said constituents consisting of at least about by weight of a straight-chain paratlinic wax and having an average molecular Weight in the range of about 290340, a Saybolt Universal viscosity atr180 F. of about 3741 seconds, an oil content of up to? about 0.5%, and a melting point by cooling, curve of from about F. to about 135 F.; the ratio by weight of the first constituent to the second constituent being Within the range of 1:5 to 3 :1 and the ratio of the combined weights of the first and second constituents to the third constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 2:1.

2. A composition according to claim 1,V in which the mixture of the three constituents has an ASTM congealing point not'greater than 145 F., a` Saybolt Universal viscosity at F. of not moreKV than 55 seconds, a tensile strength at 40 F. of not Vless than 260 pounds per square inch, a tensile energy at 40F. of not less than 3.0 inch-pounds per square inch, a consistometer hardness at 90 F. of 22-35 Abraham units land at 40F. of 60480 15 Abraham units, an ASTM union colorimet'encolor of not more than 11/2, and an ASTM oil content of not more than 0.8%

3. A composition according to claim 1, in which the mixture of the three constituents has an ASTM congealing point of about 137 F., a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 47 seconds, a tensile strength at 40 F. of about 447 pounds per square inch, and a consistometer hardness at 90 F. of about 31.5 Abraham units and at 40 F. of about 76.0 Abraham umts.

4. A wax composition consisting essentially of a mixture of three hydrocarbon constituents, the rst of which consists of about 65-85% by Weight of a non-straight chain parattnic Wax and has an average molecular weight in the range of about S50-750, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 150 F. to about 180 F., a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 210 F. of about 80-l20 seconds, and an oil content of up to about 3.0%; the second of said constituents being comprised of about 50-95% by weight of a straight-chain paraflinic Wax and containing about -50% by Weight of a non-straight chain paralfinic wax material, and having an average molecular weight in the range of about 40G-550, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 145 F. to about 165 F., a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 45-65 seconds, and an oil content of up to about 2.0%; the third of said constituents consisting of at least about 90% by Weight of a straight-chain paratlinic Wax and having an average molecular Weight in the range of about 290-340, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 115 F. to about 135 F., a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 37-41 seconds, and an oil content of. up toabout 0.5%; the ratio by weight of the rst constituent to the second constituent being Within the range of 1:5 to 3:1, and the ratio of the combined Weights of the first and second constituents to the third constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 2: 1; said composition having a tensile strength at 40 F. of not less than 260 pounds per square inch, a consistometer hardness at 90 F. of 22-35 Abraham units 4and at 40 F. of 60-80l Abraham units, and an ASTM union colorimeter color of not more than 11/2.

5. A Wax composition consisting essentially of a mixture of three hydrocarbon constituents, the lirst of Which is obtained from a partially relined topped petrolatum of which not more than 20% by volume distills below 650, F. at mm. Hg, and which consists of about 6585% by Weight of a non-straight chain parafnic wax and has an average molecular Weight in they range of about 550- 750, an ASTM congealing point of from about 150 F. to about 180 F., and a Saybolt Universalviscosity at 210 F. of `about 80-120 seconds; the second of said constituents being a phenol treated, solvent dewaxed, motor oil petrolatum which has been solvent deoiled at 25-30 F, and then fractionated by distillation to give a 10-90% boiling range of from 40-120 F. at 10 mm. Hg, and is comprised of about 50-95% by Weight of a straight-chain parainic wax and contains abouti-50% by Weight of a non-straight chain paraiiinic Wax andhas an average molecular weight in the range of about 400- 550, an ASTM congealing point of from about 145 F. to about 165 F., and a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 45-65 seconds; the third of said constituents being a rened product produced from a San Joaquin waxy-oil distillate having a 10-90% boiling `range of from 20 to 120 F. at 10 mm. Hg, and having a molecular Weight in the range of about 290-340, an ASTM congealing point of from about 115 F. to about 135 F., and a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 37-41 seconds; the ratio by Weight of the rst constituent to the second constituent being Within the range of 1:5 to 3:1, and the ratio of the combined Weights of the first and second constituents to the third constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 2:1; said composition having a tensile strength at 40 F. of not less than 260 pounds per square inch, a consistometer hardness at 90 F. of 22-35 Abraham units and at 40 F. of 60-80 Abraham units, and an oil content of not more than 6. A Wax composition consisting essentially of a mixture of three hydrocarbon constituents, the irst of which is obtained from a partially refined topped petrolatum of which not more than 20% by volume distills below 650 F. at 10 mm. Hg, and which consists of about 6585% by weight of a non-straight chain paraftnic wax and has an average molecular weight in the range of about S50-750, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 150 F. to about 180 F., and an oil content of up to about 3.0%; the second of said constituents being a phenol treated, solvent dewaxed, motor oil petrolatum which has been solvent deoiled at 25-30 F. and then fractionated by distillation to give a 10-90% boiling range of from 40-120 F. at 10 mm. Hg, and is comprised of about 50-95% by weight of a straight-chain parainic Wax and contains about 5-50% by weight of a non-straight chain parainic Wax and has an average molecular -Weight in the range of about 4004550, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 145 F. to about 165 F., and an oil content of up to about 2.0%; the third of said constituents being a refined product produced from a San Joaquin waxy-oil distillate having a 10-90% boiling range of from 20 to 120 F. at 10 mm. Hg, and having a molecular weight in the range of about 290- 340, a melting point by cooling curve of from about 115 F. to about 135 F., and an oil content of up to about 0.5%; the ratio by Weight of the iirst constituent to the second constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 3:1, and the ratio of the combined Weights of the iirst and second constituents to the third constituent being Within the range of 1:5 to 2:1; said composition having a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of not more than 55 seconds, an ASTM congealing point of not more than 145 F., and a tensile energy at 40 F. of not less than 3 pounds per square inch.

7. A wax composition consisting essentially of a mixture of three hydrocarbon constituents, the rst of which consists of about 65-85% by weight of a non-straight chain paratlnic wax and has an average molecular weight in the range of about S50-750, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 210 F. of about 80-120 seconds, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about 150 F. to about 180 F.; the second of said constituents being comprised of about 50-95% by lWeight of a straight-chain paranic wax and containing about 5-50% by weight of a nonstraight chain paranic wax and having an average molecular Weight in the range of about 40G-550, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 45-65 seconds, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about 145 F. to about 165 F.; and the third of said constituents consisting of at least about by Weight of a straight-chan parainic wax and having an average molecular weight in the range of about 290-340, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 37-41 seconds, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about F. to about F.; the ratio by weight of the lirst constituent -to the second constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 3:1 and the ratio of the combined Weights of the flrst and second constituents to the thi-rd constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 2:1; said composition having a tensile strength at 40 F. of not less than 260 pounds per square inch, a tensile energy at 40 F. of not less than 3 pounds per square inch, and a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of not more than 55 seconds.

8. A wax composition consisting essentially of a mixture of three hydrocarbon constituents, the flrst of which consists of about 65-85% by Weight of a non-straight chain paratlinic Wax and has an average molecular weight in the range of about S50-750, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 210 F. of about 80-120 seconds, an oil content of up to about 3.0%, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about F. to about 180 F.; the second of said constituents being comprised of about 50-95% by weight of a straight-chain parafrinic wax and containing about -50% by weight of a non-straight chain parafnic wax and having an average molecular weight in the range of about 400-550, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 45-65 seconds, an oil content of up to about 2.0%, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about 145 F. to about 165 F.; and the third of said constituents consisting of at least about 95% by weight of a straight-chain paraiinic Wax and having an average molecular weight in the range of about 290-340, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 37-4'1 seconds, an oil content of up to about 0.5%, and a melting point by cooling curve of from about 115 F. to about 135 F.; the ratio by weight of the iirst constituent to the second constituent being about 2:3 and the ratio of the combined Weights of the first and second constituents to the third constituent being about 3:2.

9. A container for packaging citrus juices, partially or Wholly liquid dairy products and the like, coated with the composition of claim 1.

10. A container for packaging citrus juices, partially or wholly liquid dairy products and the like, said container being constructed of paper, paper board, or other fibrous material and being coated with a tough, non-fiaking wax composition, the latter consisting essentially of amixture of three hydrocarbon constituents; the .first of which is obtained from a partially refined topped petrolatum of which not more than 20% by volume distills below 650 F. at mm. Hg, and which consists of about 6585% .by weight of a lnon-straight chain parafiinic wax and has anV average molecular Weight in the range of about S50- 7 50, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 210 F. of about 80-120 seconds, an oil content of up to about 3.0%; the second of said constituents being a phenol treated, solvent dewaxed, motor oil petrolatum which has been solvent deoiled at 25-30" F. and fractionated by distillation to give a 10-90% boiling range of from 40 to 120 F. at 10 mm. Hg and is comprised of about 50495% by Weight of a straight-chain parafiinic wax and contains about 5-5 0% by weight of a non-straight chain paranic wax and has an average molecular Weight in the range of about 400550, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 45-65 seconds, an oil content of up to about 2.0%; and the third of said constituents .being a refined product, produced from a San Joaquin waxy-oil distillate, having a 10-90% boiling range of from 20 to 120 F. at 10 mm. Hg and having a molecular weight in the range of about 290-340, a Saybolt Universal viscosity at 180 F. of about 37-41 seconds, an oil content of up to about 0.5%; the ratio by weight of the first constituent ,to the second constituent being Within the range of 1:5 to 3:1, and thevratio of the combined Weights of the first and second constituents to the third constituent being within the range of 1:5 to 2:1; said composition having a tensile strength at 40 F. of not less than 260 pounds per square inch, an oil content of not more than 0.8%, and a consistometer hardness at 90 F. of 22-35 Abraham units and at 40 F. of 60-80 Abraham units.

11. A hydrocarbon wax composition derived from petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46% to about 97% of straight chain parainic Wax, the remainder being a non-straight chain parainic Wax, said composition having a boiling point distillation curve falling Within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5, a melting point solidification curve falling Within the area deiined by and including curves Mx and M'n of Fig. 7, an ASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, and a consistometer hardness of 22-35 Abraham units at 90 F. and 60-80 Abraham units at 40 F.

12. A hydrocarbon Wax composition derived from petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46% to about 97%* of straight chain paraliinic wax, the remainder being a non-straight chain parafiinic wax, said composition havingr a 'boiling point distillation curve falling within the areaV defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5, a melting point solidicationcurve falling within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn ofV Fig. 7, an ASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, a consistometer hardness of 22r-35 Abraham units at F. and 60-80 Abraham units at 40 F., a Saybolt viscosity at F. of not over 55 SUS and a tensile strength at 40 F. of not less than 260 p.s.i.

13. A hydrocarbon wax composition derived from petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46% to about 97% of straight chain parainic wax, the remainder being a non-straight chain paraflinic wax, said composition having a boiling point distillation curve falling Within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. y5, a melting point solidiication curve falling within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 7, an ASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, a consistometer hardness of 22-35 Abraham units at 90 F. and 60-80 Abraham units at 40 F., and a tensile strength lat 40 F. of not less than 260 p.s.i.

14. A hydrocarbon wax composition derived from petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46% to about 97% of straight chain paraliinic wax, the remainder being a non-straight chain parafiinic Wax, said composition having a boiling point distillation curve falling within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5, a melting point solidfication curve falling Within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 7,- anASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, a consistometer hardness of 22-35 Abraham units at 90 F. and 60-80 Abraham units at 40 F., and a tensile energy at 40 F. of not less than 3.0 inch-pounds per square inch.

15. A hydrocarbon wax composition derived from petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46% to about 97% of straight chain parainic Wax, the remainder being-a non-straight chain paraffinic wax, said composition having a boiling point distillation curve falling Within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5, a melting point solidification curve falling within the area defined by and including curves Mx and M'n of Fig. A7, an ASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, a consistometer hardness of 22-35 Abraham units at 90 F. and 60-80 Abraham 'units' at 40 F., and having a color not over lVz on an ASTM union colorirneter.

16. A hydrocarbon wax composition derived vfrom petroleum consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 46%to about 97% of straight chain paraflinic Wax, the remainder being a non-straight chain paraftinic wax, said composition having a boiling point distillation curve falling Within the area deined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 5, a melting point solidification curve falling within the area defined by and including curves Mx and Mn of Fig. 7, an ASTM oil content of not over 0.8%, a consistometer hardness of 22-35 Abraham units at 90 F. and 60-80 Abraham units at 40 F., a Saybolt viscosity at 180 F. of not over 55 SUS, a tensile strength at 40 F. of not yless than 260 p.s.i., and having a color not over 11/2 on an ASTM union colorimeter.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,670,323 Hunter Feb. 23, 1954 2,758,100 Bailey Aug. 7, 1956 2,773,812 Fench Dec. 11, 1956 2,780,556 Schaerer Feb. 5, 1957 2,842,483 Pethrick July 8, 1958 2,846,375 Annable ."Aug. 5, 1958 

1. A WAX COMPOSITION CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF A MIXTURE OF THREE HYDROCARBON CONSTITUENTS, THE FIRST OF WHICH CONSISTS OF ABOUT 65-85% BY WEIGHT OF A NON-STRAIGHT CHAIN PARAFFINIC WAX AND HAS AN AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF ABOUT 550-750, A SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY AT 210*F. OF ABOUT 80-120 SECONDS, AN OIL CONTENT OF UP TO ABOUT 3.0%, AND A MELTING POINT BY COOLING CURVE OF FROM ABOUT 150*F. TO ABOUT 180*F., THE SECOND OF SAID CONSTITUENTS BEING COMPRISED OF ABOUT 50-95% BY WEIGHT OF A STRAIGHT CHAIN PARAFFINIC WAX AND CONTAINING ABOUT 5-50% BY WEIGHT OF A NON-STRAIGHT CHAIN PARAFFINIC WAX MATERIAL AND HAVING AN AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF ABOUT 400-550, A SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY AT 180*F. OF ABOUT 45-65 SECONDS, AN OIL CONTENT OF UP TO ABOUT 2.0%, AND A MELTING POINT BY COOLING CURVE OF FROM ABOUT 145*F. TO ABOUT 165*F., AND THE THIRD OF SAID CONSTITUENTS CONSISTING OF 180*F. ABOUT 90% BY WEIGHT OF A STRAIGHT-CHAIN PARAFFINIC WAX AND HAVING AN AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF ABOUT 290-340, A SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY AT 180*F. OF ABOUT 37-41 SECONDS, AN OIL CONTENT OF UP TO ABOUT 0.5%, AND A MELTING POINT BY COOLING CURVE OF FROM ABOUT 115*F. TO ABOUT 135*F., THE RATIO BY WEIGHT OF THE FIRST CONSTITUENT TO THE SECOND CONSTITUENT BEING WITHIN THE RANGE OF 1:5 TO 3:1 AND THE RATIO OF THE COMBINED WEIGHTS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND CONSTITUENTS TO THE THIRD CONSTITUENT BEING WITHIN THE RANGE OF 1:5 TO 2:1. 